Washington, DC – The following statement supports Louisiana Senate Bill 34 (SB 34). It should be attributed to James Gelfand, Senior Vice President of Health Policy at The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC):
“ERIC calls on Louisiana lawmakers to fast track Senate Bill 34 to Governor Edwards allowing the state to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact.
While millions of Americans struggle to safely access health care providers, interstate compacts help reduce provider shortages, improve market competition, and boost healthcare quality and affordability for patients throughout the state.
Louisiana’s participation in the compact will allow large employers, like ERIC member companies, to expand their health benefit offerings in the state, ensuring that patients will be able to access care – when and how they need it – through telemedicine.
Lawmakers must act swiftly and send the bill to the Governor. Louisianans cannot wait any longer.”
Click here to read ERIC’s comments to the Louisiana House Committee on Health and Welfare on SB 34.